Healthcare (Healthcare Workforce)

Prohibits the use of an artificial intelligence system to impersonate or act as a substitute for a licensed mental health professional. Requires the department of insurance to contract with an objective third party to verify that health carriers are in compliance with network adequacy standards. Sets forth notice requirements for an amendment to a health provider contract. Prohibits the use of downcoding in a specified manner. Requires an insurer and a health maintenance organization to reimburse providers of mental illness or substance abuse services at rates that are at least as favorable relative to Medicare rates as reimbursement rates are for providers of medical or surgical services relative to Medicare rates. Prohibits an insurer and a health maintenance organization from retroactively auditing a paid claim or seeking recoupment or a refund of a paid claim after a certain time frame. Sets forth a limitation on the amount that an insured or enrollee may be charged for receiving mental and behavioral care services from an out of network provider under certain circumstances.

Requires the Indiana State Nurses Association, any time there is a vacancy or expiration of a term on the board of nursing, to recommend to the governor a list of qualified nurses for appointment. (Current law requires the Indiana State Nurses Association to recommend the list when there is a vacancy on the board.) Allows an institution that has been operating an eligible nursing program for at least five years to increase the enrollment in any eligible nursing program at any rate the institution considers appropriate.

Permits a school corporation to establish a youth peer support program (program). Requires a program to: (1) be developed in consultation with one or more local mental health organizations serving the school's geographic area; (2) utilize evidence based training models approved by the department of education; (3) include written referral protocols to school based and community based mental health services; (4) provide ongoing supervision by a school counselor, school social worker, licensed mental health professional, or qualified community partner; and (5) include safeguards to protect student confidentiality and well-being. Provides that a program may not: (1) provide clinical diagnosis or treatment; (2) be established to replace school counselors or mental health professionals; or (3) require participation by a student. Requires a school corporation to provide certain students voluntary, online mental health screenings. Establishes parameters for certain partnerships between school corporations and local mental health organizations participating in the school corporation's program. Creates the youth peer support advisory committee.

Removes the requirement that an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) have a practice agreement with a collaborating physician. Removes a provision requiring an APRN to operate under a collaborative practice agreement or the privileges granted by a hospital governing board. Removes certain provisions concerning the audit of practice agreements. Allows an APRN with prescriptive authority to prescribe a schedule II controlled substance for weight reduction or to control obesity. Makes conforming changes.

Removes the requirement that an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) have a practice agreement with a collaborating physician. Removes a provision requiring an APRN to operate under a collaborative practice agreement or the privileges granted by a hospital governing board. Removes certain provisions concerning the audit of practice agreements. Allows an APRN with prescriptive authority to prescribe a schedule II controlled substance for weight reduction or to control obesity. Makes conforming changes.